Ghana on the brink of history

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday July 2, 2010 00:00

 

The once-legendary Black Stars could become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of soccer's biggest showpiece. By reaching the quarterfinals, Ghana has already surpassed expectations and equalled the exploits of fellow West Africans, Cameroon and Senegal. Cameroon became Africa's best performers at the World Cup after they reached the quarterfinals in 1990 in Italy. After starting with a sensational 1-0 win over Diego Maradonna-inspired defending champions, Argentina, in the group stages, the Indomitable Lions eventually succumbed in the quarter-final to a star-studded England side that included Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker. Like Cameroon in 1990, debutantes Senegal caused an upset in the first match of the 2002 World Cup with a 1-0 defeat of another defending champion, France, before crashing to Turkey in the quarterfinals. On both occasions, the two West Africans waged a tough battle and only fell in extra-time.

Like their counterparts, Ghana started the tournament strongly with a 1-0 win over Serbia and would now look to exorcise the ghost that haunted both Cameroon and Senegal in the quarters.

Ghana have improved on their last performance in Germany four years ago when they made their first World Cup appearance. The Black Stars reached the second round where they lost 3-0 to Brazil. Although fans across the continent feel Ghana has a bright chance of progressing to the last four, Uruguay should not be taken lightly.

The South Americans, winners of the competition in 1930 and 1950, are a compact side that plays as a unit and proved its technical superiority when they humbled hosts, South Africa, 3-0 in a group stage match.

Atletico Madrid forward, Diego Forlan has been their talisman at the tournament ably supported by strike partner, Luis Alberto Suarez. Nicknamed 'The Beast', Suarez scored twice in the second round match against South Korea.But Ghana, who have been cautious thus far in the tournament, have able players. The Black Stars prefer to catch their opponents on the break relying on sporadic counter-attacks.

Their leading goal getter, Asamoah Gyan, is an injury worry but there is still ample replacement. The Ghanaians will look up to Kevin Prince-Boateng, young revelation, Antony Annan and Inter Milan midfielder, Sulley Muntari who showed glimpses of his old form when he came on against the US.

In Botswana, Extension Gunners' coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare said Ghana should fancy their chances against Uruguay. But he admits that Uruguay is a tough opposition. 'They are a complete team, very strong in every department. If Ghana fail to win, they should not feel disgraced,' Nare said. He said a tough match should be expected between the two.

Sports journalist, Monnakgotla Mojaki said Ghana have outdone themselves and should not be under pressure against Uruguay. 'They have already outdone themselves. They should not put themselves under pressure against Uruguay. If they win, it will be a bonus,' Mojaki said.

The other quarter-final today is a mouth-watering clash between Brazil and Netherlands in the first match of the day in Port Elizabeth. Kick-off is 4pm.